Central master data management

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for sharing data. The technique includes creating at least one data object in a central system, the data object including a complete object definition, and dependencies to other objects, mapping at least one data object to other data objects in the central system, and distributing data objects from the central system to one or more client systems, where the one or more client systems.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/408,130 for “Collaborative Master Data Management,” filed on Sep. 3, 2002, the disclosure of which is incorporated here by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to data processing and to data management systems.

Information technology (“IT”) environments can consist of many different systems performing processes, such as business processes, on common master data. The different systems can be part of the same entity or can be part of different entities, such as vendors or contractors. The master data used for the processes can be stored in a number of different locations, systems, and/or incompatible formats. Branch offices of a company can work largely independently, adopted companies can introduce new software solutions to a group of affiliated companies, systems from different vendors can be linked. Different master data models can make it difficult to integrate business processes in these scenarios.

Master data can become trapped and siloed in different systems. Master data that is not aligned across an IT environment can lead to data redundancies and irrelevant or incorrect information. For example, if two local branches of the an international company each have the same local branch of a second international company as a business partner, each international business partner can be maintained twice, with no correlation between the two “business partner” master data objects. This can result in high costs for redundant multiple content maintenance. Further, business analytics performed with redundant or obsolete information can result in poor business decisions. In the above example, a company-wide analytic process can fail to detect the correlation between the “two” partners, and business value that could be leveraged out of recognizing these business partners as international business partners with two local branches would be lost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for sharing data.

In general, in one aspect, the invention features methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for sharing data. The technique includes creating at least one data object in a central system, the data object including a complete object definition, and dependencies to other objects, mapping at least one data object to other data objects in the central system, and distributing data objects from the central system to one or more client systems, where the one or more client systems receive all data objects of an object type used by the client system from the central system.

The invention can be implemented to include one or more of the following advantageous features. A request can be received from a client system to create the data object. A matching process can be performed on the request to determine if a duplicate data object or similar data object exists in the central system, and the created data object can be mapped to similar data objects if similar data objects exist in the central system. The requesting client system can be notified if a duplicate data object exists in the central system. Performing a matching process can include comparing attributes of the request to attributes of data objects stored in the central system.

Analysis can be performed based on the data objects in the central system using the mapping information. At least one data object can be received from a client system, and the at least one data object can be staged. The received data object can further be mapped.

The data objects can be mapped according to industry specific standards. A framework can be distributed to configure client system software to receive data objects from the central system. The dependencies to other objects can be defined for the data object. Defining the dependencies to other objects can include defining a packet of objects. Defining a packet can include defining a product structure. Distributing data from the central system to one or more client systems can include distributing data in packets. Defining the dependencies to other objects can include defining a view including parts of objects.

The data object can be updated with information received from a client system. Updating the data object can include periodically updating the data object and/or updating the data object in response to an indication that the data object was changed in a client system. Distributing data from the central system to one or more client systems can include distributing data from the central system to one or more client systems in response to an updating the data object. Updating the data object can further include updating dependencies to other objects.

In general, in one aspect, the invention features a system for sharing data. The system includes one or more client systems, and a central module of an entity including a central data store to store all attributes of data objects for an entity. The data objects can be for use by the one or more client systems and can include complete object definitions, mapping information mapping the data object to other objects and dependencies to other objects. The central data module can be configured to distribute data objects from the central data store to the one or more client systems.

The invention can be implemented to include one or more of the following advantageous features. The central data store can include complex analytics based on master data for an entity, where the complex analytics includes a data warehouse.

The invention can be implemented to realize one or more of the following advantages. A central master data management system allows all master data to be maintained centrally. Central maintenance of master data allows avoidance of data redundancies and improved cross-group reporting. Since master data objects are stored only in a central system, updated master data is not trapped in a client system. Thus, all master data used by systems is up to date. The central master data management system enables consistent business processes through distribution of master data and mapping information to all clients. Also, cross company reporting is enabled, the resources related to maintenance of data can be reduced, and master data can be aligned across systems and companies.

The details of one or more implementations of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are block diagrams illustrating a collaborative master data management system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a content consolidation implementation of a collaborative master data management system.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for consolidating data.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a master data harmonization implementation of a collaborative master data management system.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are flow diagrams illustrating a method for master data harmonization.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a central master data management implementation of implementation of a collaborative master data management system.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for central master data management.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a collaborative master data management module.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIG. 1A, a collaborative master data management (“cMDM”) system includes a central module 100 and one or more client modules 110 a-d, collectively referred to as client modules 110. Each client module 110 a-d is linked directly to the central module 100.

The central module 100 can include a central system representing a centralized control of data management for an entity, such as a business or an organization. The client modules 110 can include systems or groups performing processes on master data. For example, the client modules 110 can include systems and/or groups involved in a product creation process. In this example, the client modules 10 can include a legacy module, an e-procurement module, an e-sales module, a sourcing module, a collaborative engineering module, a manufacturing module and enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) modules.

The master data can be stored in the client module (e.g. client module 110 a), in the central module 100 or in both, depending on the implementation. The central module 100 allows the master data used by each client 110 a-d to include master data that is shared by all clients 110. Traditionally, client modules 110 would communicate directly with each other in a point to point architecture. For example, a manufacturing module might need to share master data with an e-procurement module, an e-sales module and a collaborative engineering module, among others. In traditional systems, the manufacturing module would receive data from or transmit data to the appropriate module, which could lead to inconsistency in data or the use of obsolete data, if data is not updated in the module transmitting the data for sharing. In the system described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, data is managed through the central module 100. The central module 100 ensures consistent master data, and the distribution of the master data.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the cMDM system can be implemented to be used across a plurality of entities 120, 130 a-b. The central module 100 can be part of a base entity 120. The client systems 110 can be part of the base entity 120 or part of an external entity (e.g., external entity 130 a). For example, the base entity 120 can include an enterprise including client modules 110 for ERP, legacy, e-procurement and e-sales. The base entity can be divided into units 140 a-c, where each unit can include one or more clients 110 a-d. The external entities 130 can include a contractor including a client (e.g., client 110 a) for manufacturing and a supplier including clients 110 for collaborative engineering and sourcing.

In another example, the base entity 120 can include a customer service entity while an external entity 130 can include an enterprise. Customer information that may normally be dispersed over multiple client modules 110 can be consolidated through central system 100.

The centrally managed master data can be used for processes such as cross-group reporting, data integration for mergers and acquisitions, reducing the diversity of parts, supporting product maintenance, simplification of customer management, and supporting catalogs such as through merging catalog contents and bundling of purchasing activities into a smaller number of vendors. The cMDM system can also support versioning and change management. As versions are created or changes made, the data for the versions or changed data can be managed through central module 100, as described below.

A setup of a cMDM system can be performed before data is exchanged between the cMDM system and client modules 110. Identification attributes are specified for master data objects and rules for matching are established. The setup of attributes and rules for matching can be performed with regard to the entity using the cMDM system, or with regard to the object needs in general. A matching process performed on master data objects received from client modules can be used to manage the master data objects.

Specifying attributes can include matching different objects from different client applications or different client modules 10. Specifying attributes can also include linking elements of the matched structures together so that master data objects received from different client systems can be compared.

The specified attributes can also be ranked during setup. The ranking of attributes can be used during a matching process to determine whether two master data objects are identical. Thus, if an attribute that is ranked higher doesn't match between two objects, it is more likely that they are not identical or similar than if an attribute ranked lower on the list does not match.

The cMDM system can be implemented in at least three different scenarios, as described with reference to FIGS. 2-7. The scenarios can be implemented separately or introduced in an evolutionary manner, by starting with a content consolidation scenario and moving to a master data harmonization scenario or moving from a master data harmonization scenario to a central master data management scenario. The different scenarios can also be used together. For example, central master data management can be used for some object types while master data harmonization is used for the rest. The mixing of the scenarios will be discussed in more detail below.

Content Consolidation

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a content consolidation scenario for a cMDM system. Central module 100 can include a load module 210, a staging module 220, a match module 230 and an ID mapping module 240. The consolidated content resulting from the processes performed in central module 100 can be used in processes 250 such as business analysis, (e.g., global spending analysis) or creation of central catalogs (e.g., a supplier product catalog).

At load module 210, master data objects are received into the central module 100. Master data objects are uploaded into central module 100 in the form in which they were maintained in their local applications (client modules 110). At staging module 220, a user at the central module 100 can determine if the master data objects are loaded correctly. For example, the user can check the content of the master data object loaded in load module 210 to make sure that the content of the master data object is correct. The master data objects can be cleansed in the staging module 220 to standardize the content of the master data objects. For example, if the standard format for abbreviating New York is “NY,” and one of an input master data object has the abbreviation as “N.Y.,” the content of the input master data object can be changed to “NY” by removing the periods in between the “N” and the “Y.” Data cleansing can also include removing mistakes and inconsistencies to make data more accurate.

The staging module 220 can also be used as an intermediate storage for received master data objects for a master data client. The intermediate storage can be used while processing matching and mapping routines described below with respect to match module 230 and mapping module 240, respectively. The intermediate storage can also be used during individual user interaction before upload of master data objects.

Matching processes can also be completed in the staging module 220. The master data objects are forwarded to a match module 230. If the match module 230 does not automatically match the master data objects based on the identified attributes, the master data objects can be returned to the staging module for manually deciding whether the master data objects match.

At match module 230, a matching process can be performed on the uploaded master data to identify identical or similar data objects. Identical data objects are master data objects that are semantically identical, and which are received from different client modules 110. Identical data objects can have two different object IDS. Duplicate data objects are semantically identical master data objects within the same system, such as a client module 110 a. Possible duplicates are recognized automatically and reported. One or more of the duplicate data objects can be removed from the client system.

The matching process includes recognizing similarity between master data objects. The matching process can include identifying attributes of the data objects and comparing the attributes. The attributes that are compared can include attributes that are valid entity-wide for master data object types, so that identical and similar data objects can be recognized, although the content of the attributes can differ from system to system. Thus, different data formats and structures can be retained in different systems.

If the amount of match between two master data object is within a certain range, the results of the matching process may be considered to be unresolved. For example, if two master data objects match 50-80%, the results of the matching process can be considered unresolved. For example, if a master data object to be matched is a business partner, and four of five attributes match another business partner master data object, the amount of match would be 80%. Thus, the issue of whether the two objects match can be considered to be unresolved. The master data object can be returned to the staging module for an user to manually determine if the master data object matches another master data object.

The mapping module 240 receives the results of the matching process from the match module 230. At mapping module 240, the similar or identical objects can be mapped to each other. For example, an object identification (“ID”) of one object can be mapped to an object ID of a similar or identical object. The mapping information can be updated each time a change is made to a data object. The mapping can be performed automatically based on rules established during set up of the master data management system. The mapping can be stored in a mapping table. The mapping information can change based on changes made to a master data object. For example, if “N.Y.” in master data object A is changed to “NY,” master data objects that were not mapped to master data object A can now be considered identical to master data object A and master data objects that were mapped to master data object A will need to be changed. Thus, changes can be managed through mapping information and updates to mapping information by making the mapping information available to client modules 110. Similarly, when a new version consisting of a group of data objects is defined, mapping information and updates to the mapping information can be used to manage the version.

The mapping information can be provided to process module 250. Process module 250 can include complex analytics, including a data warehouse, such as a business information warehouse, for system-wide reporting. The processes performed in process module 250 can include creation of a central catalog or company-wide analysis and reporting, such as global spend analysis or mergers and acquisitions.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for consolidating data. Data is received into central module 100 from one or more client modules 110. (Step 310) If the received data content is not aligned with content of a central system in central module 100, the received data can be cleansed.

A matching process is performed on objects of data in the central system to determine if there are identical or similar objects in the central system. (Step 320) The matching process can include comparing identifying attributes of the objects. The matching process can also include identifying duplicates. If two or more objects are found to be duplicate objects, one or more of the duplicate objects can be avoided from being entered into the central module. The duplicate master data objects can be transferred to the staging module 220, where one of the duplicate master data objects is removed from the central module 100. The cMDM can also support removal of one or more of the duplicate master data objects from the system from which the duplicate objects were received.

If identical or similar objects are found, the central module can perform a mapping process. (Step 330) Object IDs of identical objects can be mapped to each other, and object IDs of similar objects can be mapped to each other. The object mapping information can be provided to a process. (Step 340) As discussed above, providing the mapping information to a process can include providing the mapping information to a data warehouse, such as a business information warehouse, for use in system-wide analysis and reporting. The mapping information can also be provided to the client modules 110.

Master Data Harmonization

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a second scenario for cMDM. The second scenario includes a master data harmonization implementation. This scenario can be implemented by adding master data storage to a content consolidation implementation. This scenario can be used to enable the maintenance and consistent distribution of global attributes of the master data. The harmonized content resulting from the processes performed in central module 100 can be distributed to client modules 110 and process module 240 to be used in applications such as, for example, business partner administration, central provision of sales articles, definition and administration of non-variable parts.

The master data objects can be created in the central module 100, in central creation module 410, or in client modules 110. Master data objects created in client modules 110 are received in staging module 420. Portions of the master data objects and the mappings between master data objects can be stored in the central module 100. The portions of the master data objects stored can include global attributes of the master data objects.

Master data objects created in central creation module 410 can be created to include only global attributes of the master data object. Global attributes can include the identifying attributes. Which attribute is to be maintained for each object type can be dependent on information requirements and the system landscape. A framework can be added to the cMDM to enlarge an object model without doing any modification of the software used to create the master data object in the local system. The framework can deal with new issues and new fields. For example, the object description (data model for an object) can be tailored to a central instance. For example, fields may exist in data models in one system that do not exist in data models for another system. The framework can also support updating user interfaces for client systems receiving master data objects having different attribute fields. After distribution of the objects, as discussed below, the distributed objects can be provided with additional attribute values in the client modules 110.

Locally created master data objects can be created using the local application of the client (e.g., client 110 a). Client modules 110 can distribute the global attributes of the locally created master data objects into staging module 420. A cross system search can be made for the master data object before it is created in the client module (e.g., client module 110 a). The master data object is created if no similar master data object exists. If a similar master data object does exist, central module 100 makes the similar master data objects available to the user at the client module (e.g., client module 110 a). For example, the central module 100 can make similar master data objects available to the user at a client module (e.g., client module 110 a) through a server. Thus, the similar master data object can be transferred to a server in the central module 100 and then transmitted to a client system at a client module (e.g., client module 110 a).

The user can subscribe to the similar master data object, and mapping information can be updated to include the new local system. If no similar object is found, after creation of the master data object, the created master data object can be transmitted to other target systems.

Continuous matching processes can be performed in matching and mapping module 430. For example, mapping can be performed in response to a request to create a master data object in central creation module 410. The continuous matching processes can be used to identify identical and similar data objects. The identical and similar data objects can be mapped to each other, as described above.

Duplicate objects identified by the matching process can be avoided from being created in local systems. For example, if a local system requests a master data object for a new business partner, a user at the central module 100 can check to see if the business partner master data object already exists in the central module 100. If the business partner master data object does exist in the central module, the master data object can be distributed to the client system requesting the new master data object. If the user recognizes that the existing business partner master data object already exists in the target system, creation of a duplicate master data object is avoided. Mapping information can be provided to process module 240 for processes such as business-wide analysis.

The global attributes of the master data objects, including mapping information, can be distributed to the various client modules 110 through distribution module 440. Thus, all systems are supplied with the same global attributes after distribution, and business processes can be processed securely. Objects that logically belong together can be changed and distributed together. For example, when the master data include master data for a product, the objects that belong to the product, such as product structures and documents, can be collected together in a packet and then, distributed in one context to a recipient client module (e.g., client module 110 a). A packet can include a group of individual objects that are linked through relationships including dependencies, such as objects in a product structure. A packet can be collected according to information requirements of the recipient client module (e.g., client module 110 a), and can be transferred in a certain sequence.

For example, if a BOM changes or is to be distributed to a target system, rules associated with mappings for some specified systems can indicate that product masters for materials have to be transferred to a specified system before the BOM so that the specified system can recognize the product ID for the materials. Thus, sequencing of objects to distribute can be enabled to comply with semantics and requirements of target systems.

Client modules 110 can complete master data information for the received master data objects in the local environment. Changes to the master data can also be managed centrally in central module 100. The changes can be received, approved, and then, distributed to client modules 110.

Master data created in central module 100 can be created in response to a request from a client module (e.g., client module 110 a). For example, a business user at a client module (e.g., client module 110 a), using a client system, can fill out a request form for a new product master and transmit the form to a user at central system in a central module 100. Forms can be checked to ensure that the forms are correctly filled. For example, the forms can be checked semantically or units of measurement can be checked to ensure the correct units are used. The user at the central system can view and accept the request. The user at the central system can then check for duplicates, complete the given information, and then, create and distribute the new product master.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are flow diagrams illustrating methods for master data harmonization. Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 4 and 5A, master data harmonization can include the creation of master data objects in the central module 100 as well as the client modules 110. (Step 510)

The master data objects can be created in three ways in master data harmonization. A new master data object can be created in the central module 100 directly or a new master data object can be created in the central module 100 in response to a request from a client module (e.g., client module 110 a). A master data object can also be created locally in a client module (e.g., client module 110 a) and transferred to a staging module 420. Master data created locally, in client modules 110 can be uploaded to central module 100.

The created objects can be stored in central module 100. The master data objects stored in central module 100 can include global attributes of the master data objects.

Continuous matching processes can be performed on the stored master data objects. (Step 520) The continuous matching processes can be used to identify duplicate, identical and similar data objects. Duplicate objects found can be removed, and object IDs of identical and similar objects can be mapped.

Master data object information, including global attributes of the master data objects and mapping information, can be distributed to the client modules 110. (Step 530) The master data information for the master data objects received in the client systems can be completed in the client modules 110. (Step 540)

FIG. 5B illustrates a method of master data harmonization where the master data is created locally, as discussed above. A master data object is created locally. (Step 550). The locally created master data object is staged. (Step 560).

Central Master Data Management

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a central master data management implementation of a cMDM system. In the central master data management scenario, master data is controlled completely in the central module. In this implementation, all master data information resides centrally in central module 100. This implementation can be used for applications such as a central product data pool supplying product data to multiple locations for production, assembly, sales and distribution.

At central creation module 610, master data objects can be created. The created master data objects can include complete object information including complete object definition, object mapping information and object dependencies. The master data objects can be created in response to a request from a client module (e.g., client module 110 a). Matching processes can be performed in response to the request, and mapping information can be included in the data object information stored in the central module 100. If identical objects exist in the central module 100, the requesting client module (e.g., client module 110 a) can be notified that an identical object exists, and a new master data object is not created or mapped to an existing object. The mapping information can be updated.

At distribution module 620, the centrally maintained master data information can be distributed as individual objects as they are defined in the client modules 110. The objects can be distributed in packets. Objects that belong together can be changed and distributed together. If the master data includes product model master data, the objects that belong together, such as products, BOMs (bills of material), and documents, are collected together in a consistent packet and distributed together. The objects can be collected according to information requirements of the recipient client module (e.g., client module 110 a). For example, the objects can be collected in reference to a particular view for a product. A view can include product relevant attributes, such as purchasing dates. Thus, a group of objects can be linked according to usage or location. For example a sales view can include attributes or content of objects that are related to or used by a sales department.

As discussed above, the scenarios can be used together. For example, central master data management can be used for business partner master data objects, where all of the business partner master data object information is maintained in central module 100. The central module 100 can store only global attributes for the rest of the data objects, such as product master data objects.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for central master data management. The central master data management process can be performed in a homogeneous environment. Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 6, at least one data object is created in a central module 100 (step 710). The central module 100 can include a central system for a cMDM system. Central module 100 can store complete data object information which can be distributed to client modules 110. Thus, the created data object can include complete object information including a complete object definition, mapping information mapping the data object to other objects, and dependencies to other objects.

The data object can be created in response to receiving a request from a client module (e.g., client module 110 a) to create the data object. A matching process can be performed on the request to determine if a similar or identical data object exists in the central system. If a similar or identical data object is found, the identical data object will be distributed to the requesting system and the distributed object will be mapped automatically.

Data objects from the central system can be distributed to one or more client modules 110. (Step 720) Distributing the data objects can include distributing the data objects to client modules 110. The data objects can be distributed in packets. The packets can be defined in the central module 100 based on requirements information received from a recipient client module (e.g., client module 110 a).

The method of central master data management can also include performing changes to data objects and updating the data objects stored in the central module 100 based on the changes received. The updated data objects can be distributed to the client modules 110.

Master Data Management System

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a simplified structure of a central module 100. Central module 100 can include an exchange infrastructure (“XI”) 810, a content integrator (“CI”) 820, and a master data server (“MDS”) 830. The XI 810 can be used for communication between client modules 110 and central module 100.

Master data that is to be distributed is received in XI 810. Distribution can be performed in three different ways, including subscription based distribution, historic distribution and content based distribution. A routing model (not shown) stores information about which systems are interested in the master data. The master data is then sent from the XI 810 to the relevant systems. Queuing can be used to ensure consistent messaging across the XI 810. Messages can be sent in XML (extensible markup language) format between the systems.

CI 820 can correlate master data from different systems by defining identifying attributes for each object. The identifying attributes are fed to CI 820 from different systems in client modules 110 and scanned for analogousness according to predefined rules. The CI 820 saves an object ID for objects in the system landscape, no matter to which system they belong, or to which data model they are subject. Master data objects that are stored in client modules 110 retain the identification defined in the respective client systems storing the master data objects. CI 820 understands that the respective instantiation relates to some other object in the system (using the mapping function). Thus, CI 820 performs the matching processes and preparation of the resulting ID mappings.

In one example, mapping can be done using industry specific standards. Different industries such as Chemicals, Consumer Products(“CP”)/Retail and so on, define standards of how an object should be described for their requirements. In one industry, for example, in CP it can be sufficient to describe a product name, description and a class (e.g. ‘SWEETS’), while in Chemicals only the class is not sufficient. Thus, attributes and their values are used to describe the chemicals sufficiently. Thus, the attributes can be like a language for an industry. Therefore, the mapping of a MDM standard-xml format to industry specific standards is supported. Industry specific standards include, for example, CIDEX, Pidx, RosettaNet, Pricat.

CI 820 use the mappings for a double checking process for creating objects. The central module 100 receives a request to create a master data object. The CI 820 checks the request for identical objects. If no match is found, the central module generates a new object. The CI 820 then performs a check for the new object. If no match is found, then the central module stores the new master data object. Thus, even if the first check is incomplete based on the description provided by the client module (e.g., client module 110 a), a match may be found when the object is completely created.

Merge strategies can be used to combine two or more objects that are found to be similar or identical. For example, if a master data object for a pump is produced in a purchasing system, a sales system and a production system, one object can be created in central module 100 by merging the three master data objects. For example, a new object can be created where different systems have authorizations for different parts of the object. Thus, a purchasing system can maintain purchasing information for the master data object. Although the purchasing system can view sales and production information, the purchasing system can be given authorization only to maintain the purchasing information.

MDS 830 can include a central data store for storing data objects. MDS 830 can perform the processes of object creation and change. MDS 830 can also provide services for change management, such as unified versioning, and status management. Grouping of changed objects into packets for distribution can also be performed in MDS 830.

The invention can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of them. The invention can be implemented as a computer program product, i.e., a computer program tangibly embodied in an information carrier, e.g., in a machine-readable storage device or in a propagated signal, for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus, e.g., a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers. A computer program can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

Method steps of the invention can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing a computer program to perform functions of the invention by operating on input data and generating output. Method steps can also be performed by, and apparatus of the invention can be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. Information carriers suitable for embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in special purpose logic circuitry.

To provide for interaction with a user, the invention can be implemented on a computer having a display device such as a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device such as a mouse or a trackball by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.

The invention can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back-end component, e.g., as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, e.g., an application server, or that includes a front-end component, e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or an Web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the invention, or any combination of such back-end, middleware, or front-end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networks include a local area network (“LAN”), a wide area network (“WAN”), and the Internet.

The computing system can include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

The invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. For example, the steps of the invention can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. 

1. A computer-implemented method, the method comprising: receiving, from a first client, a first data object in a central system, the first data object comprising attributes specified for the first data object, the attributes specified for the first data object being associated with respective rankings; receiving, from a second client, a second data object, the second data object comprising attributes specified for the second data object, the attributes specified for the second data object being associated with respective rankings; comparing the attributes specified for the first data object to the attributes specified for the second data object in the central system to determine matching attributes and non-matching attributes; determining whether the first data object matches the second data object based on a result of the comparing and based on respective rankings of the matching attributes and the non-matching attributes; mapping the first data object to the second data object in the central system based on the determination of whether the first data object matches the second data object to produce mapping information that links a first identifier associated with the first data object to a second identifier associated with the second object; and transmitting the first data object, the second data objects, and the mapping information from the central system to one or more client systems.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, at the central system, a request from the client system to create the first data object; and creating the first data object, the first data object comprising the attributes specified for the first data object.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, at the central system, a request from the client system to create a further data object; and selectively creating the requested further data object.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the selectively creating of the requested further data object comprises: determining that the further data object already exists at the central system; and suppressing the creating of the requested further data object.
 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: notifying the requesting client system that a duplicate data object exists in the central system.
 6. The method of claim 3, wherein the selectively creating of the requested further data object comprises: determining that the further data object does not already exist at the central system; and permitting the creating of the requested further data object.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: standardizing content of the second data object.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising mapping the second data object to a third data object.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the mapping of the first data object is performed according to industry specific standards.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising distributing a framework to configure client system software to receive the first and second data objects from the central system.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: defining dependencies to other objects for the first data object.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the defining of the dependencies to other objects comprises defining a packet of objects.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the defining of the packet comprises defining a product structure.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the defining of the dependencies to other objects comprises defining a view including parts of objects.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmitting of the first data object and the second data objects from the central system to one or more client systems comprises distributing the first data object and the second data objects in packets.
 16. The method of claim 1, further comprising updating the first data object with information received from a client system.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the updating of the first data object comprises periodically updating the first data object.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the updating of the first data object comprises updating the first data object in response to an indication that the first data object was changed in a client system.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the transmitting of the first and second data objects from the central system to the one or more client systems includes distributing data from the central system to the one or more client systems in response to updating the first data object.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein the updating of the first data object includes updating dependencies to other objects.
 21. A system comprising: one or more client systems; and a central module comprising a central data store to store attributes of data objects, the central module configured to: receive, from a first client, a first data object in a central system, the first data object comprising attributes specified for the first data object the attributes specified for the first data object being associated with respective rankings; receive, from a second client, a second data object, the second data object comprising attributes specified for the second data object, the attributes specified for the second data object being associated with respective rankings; compare the attributes specified for the first data object to the attributes specified for the second data object in the central system to determine matching attributes and non-matching attributes; determine whether the first data object matches the second data object based on a result of the comparing and based on respective rankings of the matching attributes and the non-matching attributes; and map the first data object to the second data object in the central system based on the determination of whether the first data object matches the second data object to produce mapping information that links a first identifier associated with the first data object to a second identifier associated with the second object.
 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the central module is to transmit the first and second data objects and the mapping information from the central data store to the one or more client systems.
 23. A computer program product, tangibly stored on a computer-readable medium, the computer program product comprising instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to: receive, from a first client, a first data object in a central system, the first data object comprising attributes specified for the first data object the attributes specified for the first data object being associated with respective rankings; receive, from a second client, a second data object, the second data object comprising attributes specified for the second data object, the attributes specified for the second data object being associated with respective rankings; compare the attributes specified for the first data object to the attributes specified for the second data object in the central system to determine matching attributes and non-matching attributes; determine whether the first data object matches the second data object based on a result of the comparing and based on respective rankings of the matching attributes and the non-matching attributes; and map the first data object to the second data object in the central system based on the determination of whether the first data object matches the second data object to produce mapping information that links a first identifier associated with the first data object to a second identifier associated with the second object.
 24. The computer program product of claim 23, further comprising instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to: receive a request from a client system to create a data object, the first data object to include attributes specified for the first data object, values specified for the attributes, and dependencies to other objects.
 25. The computer program product of claim 24, further comprising instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to: receive, at the central system, a request from the client system to create a further data object; and selectively create the requested further data object.
 26. The computer program product of claim 25, wherein the instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to selectively create the requested further data object by: determining that the further data object already exists at the central system; and suppressing the creating of the requested further data object.
 27. The computer program product of claim 24, further comprising instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to: notify the requesting client system that a duplicate data object exists in the central system.
 28. The computer program product of claim 25, further comprising instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to selectively create the requested further data object by: determining that the further data object does not already exist at the central system; and permitting the creating of the requested further data object.
 29. The computer program product of claim 23, further comprising instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to: receive a further data object from a client system; and stage the further data object.
 30. The computer program product of claim 29, further comprising instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to map the further data object.
 31. The computer program product of claim 23, further comprising instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to map the first data object according to industry specific standards.
 32. The computer program product of claim 23, further comprising instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to distribute a framework to configure client system software to receive the first and second data objects from the central system.
 33. The computer program product of claim 23, further comprising instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to: define dependencies to other objects for the first data object.
 34. The computer program product of claim 33, wherein the instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to define the dependencies to other objects comprises instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to define a packet of objects.
 35. The computer program product of claim 34, wherein the instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to define a packet comprises instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to define a product structure.
 36. The computer program product of claim 34, wherein the instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to transmit the first and second data objects from the central system to one or more client systems comprises instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to distribute the first data object and the second data objects in packets.
 37. The computer program product of claim 33, wherein the instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to define the dependencies to other objects comprises instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to define a view including parts of objects.
 38. The computer program product of claim 23, further comprising instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to: update the first data object with information received from a client system.
 39. The computer program product of claim 38, wherein the instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to update the first data object comprises instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to periodically update the first data object.
 40. The computer program product of claim 38, wherein the instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to update the first data object comprises instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to update the first data object in response to an indication that the first data object was changed in a client system.
 41. The computer program product of claim 38, the instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to transmit the first and second data objects from the central system to one or more client systems includes instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to distribute the first data object and the second data objects from the central system to one or more client systems in response to the updating of the first data object.
 42. The computer program product of claim 38, wherein the instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to update the first data object includes instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to update dependencies to other objects. 